The new settlements established in Israel r.inct the rebirth of its sovereignty eleven years ago yielded 32 percent of the country’s produce last year alone, aggregating a value of 215,000,000 Israeli pounds $538,000,000) in 1958, Kaddish Luz, Minister of Agriculture, reported in the Knesset today.
In general, the country’s agricultural production in 1958 increased by 16 percent, in spite of the severe drought that affected many crops. Israelis today, said Mr. Luz. “enjoy a richer fruit-basket than the British, Germans, French, Italian or Dutch.” The year 1958 showed an increase of percent in agricultural exports, chiefly in citrus fruits, eggs and ground nuts, said the Minister.
Mr. Luz reported that the position of the Arabs and Bedouins in Israel has improved appreciably. He stated that Arab farmers have, crippled production in their orchards and in livestock. Thirty-two Arab villages are now receiving irrigation, and mechanical water supply is now under development in 32 more Arab villages.
Bedouins in tie Negev. said Mr. Luz have increased their sheep and camel herds by 800,000 head, the value of their new herds having reached 10,000,000 Israeli pounds (318,000,000).
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The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
